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Do you want to control a router ?
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A multiviewer?
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A graphics generator?
How about all three from one control surface? You can. It's called asigN.
Multiple applications on multiple computers controlled from one configurable hardware panel with lots of buttons.... And it's dead easy to use.
Configurable control | asigN HT600 series
The asigN range of panels is designed for the control of GUI applications on one or multiple computers from one robust hardware panel, giving specific control functions to the operator. asigN can work alongside traditional keyboards, mice and touch screens or replace them entirely.
For equipment that doesn't have a GUI, electrical interfaces are provided for serial, ethernet, contact closure and USB. A simple communication protocol is available.
An associated software package allows the user to configure the panel to control Windows control buttons or sliders by a simple drag and drop method. Using a number of patented methods including visual recognition and pattern mapping, almost any GUI can be controlled.
The panels LCD switches are fully configurable with colour, text, icon, and a wealth of operational switch functions. Interface to the computer(s) is via serial or ethernet and there are currently four panels in the range - three desktop consoles and a 19" rack mount unit.
asigN - available models
Small footprint desk mount with 6 x LCD keys, 5 key pages and control wheel
Desk mount with 20 x LCD keys, 2 key pages
Desk mount with 20 x LCD keys, 2 pages and control wheel
1U high rack mountable panel with 10 x LCD keys, 2 pages and control wheel
1U high rack mountable I Box
Interfaces available.
Expansion slots allow additional interface modules to be installed in addition to the standard serial port.
Serial RS422:
For connection to a single computer or other hardware device.
General Purpose Interface GPI
One or two GPI modules can be used, each providing 24 programmable contact closures and 24 programmable electrical drivers that are allocated to the LCD keys in addition to any Windows function allocated. The i-asigN software allows easy GPI allocation and also provides a map of GPIs and associated LCD keys. Connection is made via a high density "SCSI" connector.
USB
The panels appear as a Human Interface Device keyboard. and can interface to a PC or a MAC.
Ethernet
The panels have an IP address allowing control of multiple devices on a network.
Panel Configuration possibilities
ON and OFF Key appearance
Text, graphical image, colour, brightness and audible click.
Key function
Grouping, follow, latch or momentary action
Key actions
Control a GUI button or other UI control
Keyboard shortcuts
launch an application
shortcut or script
Network UDP commands
Wheel
Programmable "haptic" technology for range, sensitivity, direction and on/off stops or detents
Panel test function
Page selection
Control Possibilities
Each can be set up by using either the asigN protocol from a computer or by installing the i-asigN programme on the device to be controlled.
Once configured for an application, the set up can be tested before being downloaded to the panel, and can be stored for later recall. The controlled application does not have to be in Windows “focus” to be instantly accessed and controlled.
The application can be closed, and control will resume as programmed when it is re-opened. Windows application functions such as scroll or volume which are adjusted with a mouse and slider can be allocated to a button and the control wheel for adjustment. Multiple applications can be controlled on one PC, or, if the optional ethernet module is used as the interface, on many PCs. The panels are powered by an external power supply, a second can be added as a back up. The asigN protocol, i-asigN software and technical manuals are supplied with the panels.
I-asigN Intuitive function mapping software
The software allows you to configure any of the four asigN control panels to a high level of operational sophistication, and each panel can access multiple functions of multiple applications, even across multiple computers. Prior to downloading to the connected panel, the configuration can be fully rehearsed to ensure that it functions as required. Individual buttons are customised as shown in the screen shot, and can be assigned to Windows buttons or sliders by simply dragging and dropping the graphic of the button to the targeted button on the application.
The I-asigN button programming screen showing the wide range of options that can be applied to each of the asigN control panel keys.
Once the panel is configured, the layout is downloaded to the connected panel, and the configuration can be saved for later recall.
Examples of additional programmable functions are:
ON and OFF Key appearance Text, graphical image, colour, brightness and audible click.
Key function Grouping, follow, latch or momentary action Key actions
Control a GUI button or other UI control Keyboard shortcuts launch an application, shortcut or script
Network UDP commands
Wheel Programmable "haptic" technology for range, sensitivity, direction and on/off stops or detents
Using a number of patented methods including visual recognition and pattern mapping, almost any GUI can be controlled by dragging and dropping the chosen control panel button to the selected point on the application window.
The mapping can then be viewed on small images of the application(s) - assigned buttons are highlighted with red, and clicking either on the application or the panel button shows the association in green.
"Auto focus" Many GUIs on one PC can be controlled at the same time
Multi control Many PCs can be controlled from one control panel.
Flexability Different interfaces are provided for different control possibilities
Wheel Programmable "haptic" technology for range, sensitivity, direction and on/off stops or detents
Reliability Panel test functions Multiple page selections.
The GPI module is configured using I-asigN
Any button on the panel can be programmed to accept a GPI trigger - for example to change the button colour or displayed text or logo.
Each GPO can be controlled by up to five sources simultaneously - any button, any GPI and/or any input from the host computer.
Once configured, the GPI routing can be viewed as in this screen shot, clicking on a path highlights it in red for easy checking.
Simultaneous multiple PC control using network control
The asigN system can also be used over a network, using the optional Ethernet module.
Multiple applications can be controlled across multiple computers.
The I-asigN software can be supplied with multiple licence's, one per PC, to enable one panel to access a number of instances of the programme, which runs as a small service on the connected computer.
Case Studies
Here are several real applications in use today...
Live programming control.
A major European public service broadcaster has implemented asigN to monitor the status of video servers when controlled from a master control switcher. The panels are configured to take control of play out from a server should manual intervention be required by a programme director. Whilst under switcher control, the panels' buttons are disabled and act as indicators of "play" etc, Control is taken on a channel by channel basis, if required, with one key press thus enabling server control such as "end", "cue" or play. The LCD keys illuminate differently when monitoring or controlling the server channels, their status being controlled from the switcher. Hi Tech has utilised the comprehensive GPI mapping facilities available as an option for the asigN range of configurable panels for this application.
Directors control Panel
The Hi Tech asigN panels have been deployed in a new company wide file based workflow solution for a major US broadcaster producing fast changing live programming. The software handles ingest, asset management, export to and import from editing workstations, archiving and playout to air. The panels are used in the last stage of the process by the technical directors to control four media players per studio control room using just one panel. Whilst keyboards and mice are used in the system, the directors find that the Hi Tech asigN panels are quicker and divert much less of the director’s attention during the always fast paced and intense live shows, thereby reducing errors. "We have been very pleased with the custom designed Hi Tech panels in our around-the-clock live production environment."
Streamable newscasts and clips.
One of the worlds leading news gathering operations is using asigN as the control surface to their internally developed streaming product. The asigN enables them to control three applications in three different systems at the same time. It will control application responsible for the recording operations resulting in on-demand stream able newscasts and clips. It will also control Live Assist in Fork (B4M) at the application level rather than the player level as with the application described above, and a Brainstorm graphics system.
It does this via a middle ware service being developed by the client that talks to the panel via it's serial protocol, and then talks to the other 3 systems via a combination of remote keyboard emulation (Brainstorm), direct socket API access to Fork and web services to their recording application.
The middle ware service will provide dynamic control of labels and button colours on the panel to show lists of shows, lists of clips, record/play state etc
The configuration used
HT624 with the Serial Interface and software developed by the client making use of the published serial protocol of the asigN panel.
asigN gets patent approval
